Expert: Rod Powers - 6/5/2007

Question
Hi Rod, I enlisted into the Navy's NPS program in 04/2002, I was excited about all the future opportunities that this could have opened.  In my contract it stated that I could not be activated for 36 months or until completion of required subjects, training.  I guess if you didn't finish in that time frame they could deal with you.  I was pumped about everything.  About two months prior to my departure to basic for an abbreviated training program our Reserve Center Senior Chief comes in and tells the group that upon completion of basic, if your job field was of a high demand for mobilization, get ready.  He later told us that the 36 month rule had been change.  At the time, I was enlisted as a Master at Arm (MA2, E-05) based on my civilian employment and training.  I was ready for the action based on my civilian training, but not prepared for the active duty life this quickly.  I felt like success was not in my favor, due to the two days per month for about 6 months.  The abbreviations alone were hard enough to remember.  I was getting married the second time about 4 months later and I was told that I would be mobilized to Guantanamo Bay.  I was employed to a Federal Drug Task Force and this seemed to always get in the way of the drilling.  Needless to say, I called and told them I was not going to drill anymore and shortly there after received notification that I received a General Discharge (Under Honorable) for Unsatisfactory Participation, RE-04.  My question is can this be upgraded, changed, dismissed.  I was told by a retired military family member, that I did not complete the basic and since, the contract would not be complete on my part.  He stated that this might be the way out.  Looks like it got me discharged.  I am wonder if this will hinder me from ever being affiliated with the Military or obtaining a federal job.  Do I have to check yes on the job applications that I served in the Military even though it was roughly six months.  I am looking for help and anything that you could share would be greatly appreciated and welcomed.  Thanks

Tony

Answer
Hi Tony,

The fact that you never went to basic (or the Navy's abbreviated basic for the Navy Reserves -- a program which doesn't exist anymore, BTW), isn't really a factor.

Whether or not you've been "in" the military (for the purposes of job applications, depends on whether or not you've ever been entitled to Military pay. Because you did drill, and because you received Military pay for those drills, you were "in" the Military.

There is only one way that a Military discharge can be upgraded, and that's by applying to the appropriate Discharge Review Board. Details about this can be read in my article at: http://usmilitary.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/dischargeupg.htm

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my U.S. Military Information Site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com